Plant sale returns with free admission
Leu Gardens, a botanical oasis already teeming with flora, will blossom to life even further this weekend as an annual green thumb tradition returns.
The Leu Gardens Plant Sale lands in the 50-acre urban green space March 11-12 with more than 50 vendors touting wide varieties of greenery to spruce up the living room, porch or backyard. Guests can find everything from bonsai trees to bromeliads and bamboo. Explore a range of fruit trees, succulents, roses, orchids, Florida native options and more.
While plants are the focal point of the two-day event, shoppers can also browse pottery, garden statues, bird feeders, metal art, irrigation systems and food vendors with ice cream, coffee and light bites.
The weekend sale, which dates back to the late 1990s, draws more than 15,000 attendees and started as a way to connect plant lovers directly with growers, who can offer expert advice. Vendors are primarily Florida-based but a few travel from as far away as Georgia and Indiana.
Plant shoppers are encouraged to bring a wagon or plant cart to carry purchases, but pets must stay at home. Most vendors accept credit cards; bringing cash is encouraged.
Leu Gardens members get early entry to the sale at 8 a.m. on Saturday, which ensures first access to rare plants and specialty items.
For nonmembers, the plant sale represents an excellent time to visit Leu Gardens without paying the admission fee, strolling through the tropical stream garden or rose garden while seeking peace of mind or gardening ideas to take home.
IF YOU GO
The Leu Gardens Plant Sale is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 11-12 at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Admission is free. Leu Gardens members get early access to the sale at 8 a.m. March 11. Parking is available at Leu Gardens and at Audubon Park School (1500 Falcon Drive in Orlando). For more information and a complete list of vendors, visit leugardens.org.